Rescuing an old hive

[bwallace23350]

A good friend of mine died on Saturday. He had two bee hives. I am almost 100% sure that the hives have never been treated as he was a survivalist that did not even have electricity but used propane for lights.  Anyway I am going to ask to buy the hives as his family lives in Minnesota. The hives are the decedents of the numerous hives he had but one was the only one to live and then the other is its swarm. What should I look for in the hives if I do get them to make sure I want them? 

[Haveuseen1?]

As a heads up.  If you are in Alabama, you can not bring the comb into Alabama.  You may already know that though.

[bwallace23350]

Well the hives are in Alabama. His family is up in Minnesota mainly

[Acebird]

What should I look for in the hives if I do get them to make sure I want them?

Look outside the hive for what they are surviving on and determine if you can duplicate it.

[BeeMaster2]

Brian,
What does being able to provide the same food source have to do with buying a hive?
I would inspect them to see if the hives are full of bees. Look for a good brood pattern with lots of brood.
Your best bet is to have an Inspecter or an experienced beekeeper do a full inspection the verify they are healthy.
Jim

[cao]

I would inspect them to see if the hives are full of bees. Look for a good brood pattern with lots of brood.

Agreed.  Also look at the frames and boxes.  See what condition the rest of the wood is in. 

[Acebird]

Brian,
What does being able to provide the same food source have to do with buying a hive?

The hive is untouched and surviving.  Something about the environment is good.  Moving it and managing it could kill it.

[bwallace23350]

Thanks for the advice people

[MikeyN.C.]

Ace, if i buy a 3lbs. package from say Ga.
They don't understand food source? At my house?

[Acebird]

One of the reasons I believe packages don't do well.

[ed/La.]

I would not offer much for the bees. Perhaps pay them with a gallon or so of honey once you harvest it.

[bwallace23350]

I would not offer much for the bees. Perhaps pay them with a gallon or so of honey once you harvest it.

Why would you not pay much for them?

I am probably going to get them and take them to my house. I have no other hives there and it would be nice to have some at my house.

[BeeMaster2]

BW,
If the hive, bottom, top and 3 supers, is in good shape, it is worth over $200. If it just has 3 pounds of bees with a mated queen they are worth $130 minimum. So if you get it for less than $330 you have a good deal.
Jim

[sc-bee]

I would not offer much for the bees. Perhaps pay them with a gallon or so of honey once you harvest it.

Why would you not pay much for them?

I am probably going to get them and take them to my house. I have no other hives there and it would be nice to have some at my house.

They are in Mn. you are in Alabama... I would think FREE as in they would give them to you....

[ed/La.]

Half the value in bees comes from marketing them.  You are taking all the work out of it for them. Being in MN. The bees are worthless to them. Being a nice guy split the difference. A gallon of honey sounds fair. With no-one inspecting they could be on the verge of starvation. This is when they die of starvation. Might consider feeding some syrup. Perhaps several gallons.

[bwallace23350]

I go on Monday to look at these hives. They were not on his property and I would like to leave them where they are if they man is open to that. Wish me luck. If not I will move them to my house.

[Acebird]

If they are not on his property how do you negotiate?  Do you know the person where the bees are located?

[bwallace23350]

They are on his neighbors land. I met him at the funeral and lead up events. Nice guy. I am going out there Monday. I am going to offer them honey to keep them where they are already thriving.